Australia

The Australian aviation sector is robust and of significant importance, driving both domestic and international tourism. Air traffic is substantial, with a large number of passengers transiting daily through its major airports such as Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), and Perth (PER). The airport infrastructure is modern and well-developed.

The primary domestic regulatory bodies in the aviation and passenger rights sector in Australia include:

• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA): Responsible for civil aviation safety in Australia, setting and enforcing operational safety standards.
• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): While not an aviation-specific body, the ACCC plays a crucial role in protecting consumers in general, including air passengers, by ensuring fair trading practices and combating infringements. They oversee consumer rights issues such as misleading advertising and pricing practices.
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts: This federal government department has overall responsibility for transport and infrastructure policy, including aviation.

It is important to note that Australia does not have a unified, comprehensive regulatory framework for air passenger rights with the same specificity as some other jurisdictions (such as the European Union with Regulation (EC) No 261/2004). Passenger protection in Australia is based on a combination of consumer protection legislation, airline terms and conditions, and in some cases, specific laws related to international flights.

• Passport: must be valid for the whole stay; at least 6 months of validity is recommended.
• ETA (subclass 601): electronic authority requested through the official AustralianETA app, for citizens of some countries (such as the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and several European countries). It is valid for 12 months and allows multiple visits of up to 3 months each.
• eVisitor (subclass 651): free electronic authority for citizens of the European Union and other European countries. It is also valid for 12 months, with visits of up to 3 months each.
• Visitor visa (subclass 600): for nationalities that cannot use the ETA or eVisitor; it is requested online before travelling.
• Before you travel: check the right authority for your nationality on the Department of Home Affairs website and be wary of sites that charge to file the application.

Australian rules on delays, cancellations and denied boarding are less detailed than European ones. They are based on the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and each airline's terms.

• Compensation: there are no fixed amounts for delays or cancellations. If the flight is cancelled or so delayed that you give up the trip, the airline must offer a refund; any other compensation depends on whether the airline was at fault and on its terms.
• Assistance: no law requires the airline to pay for meals or a hotel during delays; what each airline offers is in its customer service plan.
• Denied boarding (overbooking): the airline offers another flight or a refund; any extra compensation depends on its policy.
• Complaints: first with the airline; if that does not work, contact your state's consumer protection body (Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs). The Australian government is setting up an aviation ombudsman for these complaints.

Baggage regulations in Australia are mostly determined by individual airlines and their fare policies, rather than national laws guaranteeing specific allowances.

• Free Carry-On Baggage: Most Australian airlines, especially full-service carriers, still offer a free carry-on baggage allowance. However, with the rise of low-cost carriers, some more basic fares may not include carry-on baggage or may have stricter limitations. It is crucial to check the airline's policy when purchasing a ticket.
• Checked baggage: low-cost airlines and the cheapest fares usually charge separately for checked bags; on full fares they are usually included. Prices vary with weight, size and number of bags.
• National Regulation: There is no national law mandating airlines to offer a free checked baggage allowance. Regulation focuses more on the safety of baggage transport.
• Terms and Conditions: The limits for weight, dimensions, and the number of pieces allowed for both carry-on and checked baggage are defined by each airline's terms and conditions. It is essential to consult the airline's website before traveling to understand the applicable baggage policies.

Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. Bringing in animals is controlled by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and requires planning months ahead:

• Approved countries: dogs and cats can only be brought directly from countries approved by Australia. From any other country, the animal must first live for a period in an approved country and meet its rules.
• Permit and tests: you need an import permit, vaccinations (including rabies, with set timeframes), blood tests and parasite treatments, certified by an official certificate from the exporting country.
• Quarantine: dogs and cats (except those from New Zealand and other group 1 territories) spend at least 10 days in the official Mickleham facility in Melbourne if everything is in order.
• Before travelling: check the step-by-step guide for your country on the DAFF website; not every species is allowed in.

Rules for minors traveling to and within Australia are designed to ensure safety and prevent child abduction.

• Minors Traveling Alone: Minors under 18 years of age traveling without their parents or legal guardians generally require a letter of consent from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This letter must:
• Explicitly state that the minor has permission to travel to Australia.
• Include the full contact details of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
• Be accompanied by a copy of a photo identification of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (such as a passport or driver's license).
• It is highly recommended that this letter be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or an official authority.
• Minors Traveling Accompanied: Even when accompanied, Australian immigration may request proof of kinship or authority to travel, especially if the minor is traveling with only one parent or with an adult who is not a parent. A birth certificate can be helpful.
• Airlines: Airlines may have their own rules regarding the minimum age for unaccompanied travel and may require children under a certain age to travel as unaccompanied minors, with additional fees and services.
• Passport: Minors must have their own valid passport.
• Custody: if there is a court order on custody, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) can stop the child from leaving the country through the airport watchlist (Family Law Watchlist).

Australia has accessibility and anti-discrimination laws aimed at ensuring all passengers, including seniors and people with reduced mobility, have equal access to transport services.

• Accessibility Legislation:
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth): This federal law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in various areas, including transport.
• Australian Consumer Law (ACL): Ensures that consumers, including seniors and people with disabilities, receive goods and services of acceptable quality and are not misled or exploited.
• Rights at Airports and on Flights:
• Special Assistance: Airports and airlines are required to provide special assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. This can include help with check-in, boarding and disembarking, and the use of wheelchairs. Passengers must notify the airline in advance (usually 48 hours before the flight) of their needs.
• Accommodation: Specific seating may be available for passengers who require more space or who are traveling with mobility equipment.
• Mobility Equipment: The carriage of wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids is generally permitted, but policies on what can be transported in the cabin or cargo hold vary among airlines.
• Independent Travel: Legislation aims to ensure that people with disabilities can travel independently whenever possible.
• Information: Clear information about accessibility and assistance services should be available on airline and airport websites.
• Recommendations: It is always advisable for seniors and individuals with reduced mobility to contact the airline and airport in advance to discuss their specific needs and ensure all necessary arrangements are made.

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) — travel delays and cancellations
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts — air passenger travel guide
• Department of Home Affairs — immigration and visas
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) — bringing in cats and dogs